
Doom: The Dark Ages is poised to be the most ambitious installment in the longstanding franchise, offering expansive sandboxes for players to explore. But just how extensive will a playthrough be? Here’s a breakdown based on early developer insights.
After a nine-year interval since the acclaimed reboot of Doom, the series is set to revisit its roots with The Dark Ages. This upcoming title will delve into the enigmatic origins of the Doom Slayer, taking players on a journey through a variety of ferocious worlds.
Gamers can anticipate another electrifying single-player experience, but there’s much more to The Dark Ages than it may initially appear. The developers at id Software have hinted that this new entry will broaden the scope of the iconic first-person shooter (FPS) franchise, promising what they describe as the “largest” Doom experience to date.
The Expansive Universe of Doom: The Dark Ages
While The Dark Ages isn’t classified as an open-world game per se, it will showcase the “largest playspace ever seen in a Doom title.”
As Game Director Hugo Martin elaborated, players will have the power to dictate their gameplay experience. “Where you go, who you fight, and the objectives you pursue are entirely up to you,” he stated, emphasizing a greater level of player agency.
This newfound freedom means players can engage in non-linear exploration, seek out hidden collectibles and upgrades, and even undertake optional battles as they traverse the game’s environments. However, it’s important to note that despite the expansive areas, the structure still guides players through a series of interconnected zones.

The Dark Ages is designed to be the most extensive Doom title yet, boasting a sandbox area of unprecedented scale.
Regarding gameplay duration, compared to Doom 2016, which averages 10-15 hours, and Doom Eternal, clocking in at 15-20 hours, players can expect a minimum of 15 hours of gameplay in this new installment.
For those who take their time to explore all the supplementary content, the playtime is likely to exceed 20 hours. Completionists aiming to uncover every Codex entry and extract maximum value may find their adventure extending to around 30 hours.
We will certainly provide updates after experiencing the complete game to offer a more precise estimate of its length. For the time being, players should prepare for a significantly more extensive experience, no matter their playstyle.
While the developers have confirmed the absence of a multiplayer mode this time, they have teased future expansions to engage fans even after the main campaign concludes. There are plans for Campaign DLC, which promise additional hours of fresh content for eager players.
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